Is S121 good for 12 Gauge?

S121 is commonly listed for 12 Gauge (burn-rate rank #12). Other powders reloaders use for 12 Gauge include No. 1, CSB1, BA10. Verify charges against a published load manual.

Is S121 good for .38 Special?

S121 is commonly listed for .38 Special (burn-rate rank #12). Other powders reloaders use for .38 Special include No. 1, CSB1, BA10. Verify charges against a published load manual.

Is S121 good for .45 ACP?

S121 is commonly listed for .45 ACP (burn-rate rank #12). Other powders reloaders use for .45 ACP include No. 1, N310, S065. Verify charges against a published load manual.

Lindcott Armory

Somchem · Ball

S121

Fast Somchem ball pistol/shotgun powder.

Manufacturer: Somchem
Grain shape: Ball
Burn rank: #12
Category: Fast
Temp sensitivity: Low
Application: Pistol
Origin: South Africa
Status: Active

Burn-rate position

FastestSlowest

Rank #12 on the burn-rate scale · Fast

Typical cartridges

12 Gauge, .38 Special, .45 ACP, 9mm Luger

By cartridge

12 Gauge also used: No. 1, CSB1, BA10

.38 Special also used: No. 1, CSB1, BA10

.45 ACP also used: No. 1, N310, S065

9mm Luger also used: No. 2, N310, Bull's-Eye

Similar burn rate

#12Green DotAlliant #12N330Vihtavuori #12ASVectan #12CSB3Maxam #11RS20Reload Swiss

Supply & handling

Availability (US): Limited
Shortage-prone: No
Suppressor-friendly: Yes
Flash-suppressed: No

About this powder

Somchem S121 is a fast-burning South African ball powder for 12-gauge target loads and light pistol applications. Very limited US availability — primarily used in South Africa and surrounding markets.

ChartSee it on the burn-rate spectrum BrowseEvery powder, ranked by burn rate

Sources & provenance

Manufacturer Somchem — Somchem — published load/burn-rate data